Temptations to Sin

Today's Reflections

Temptations to Sin 

http://graceandspace.org

Lk 17:1-6

¹[Jesus] said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. ²It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. ³Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”

⁵And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” ⁶The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to [this] mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Reflection:

Little ones. This term refers to persons who are powerless. For the Jews, the little ones include children, widows, and the poor. Jesus warns us that we should not influence them to do wrong or to be led to the wrong path. No one should induce the little ones to turn away from God or to abandon their faith and trust in God.

This warning points out the seriousness and great responsibility of his followers to be exemplary and role models to others. The disciple has to be prudent with his actions and tactful with his words.

Jesus also admonishes us to forgive. We have the duty to correct our erring brethren. But our correction should lead to repentance. It is not meant to judge or find fault. It is not to condemn but to show compassion and genuine concern.

As followers of Christ,

we have to be true to his teachings

and faithful to his commandments.

Or else we might lead the little ones

to fall from grace.